MONTCLAIR – The City Council has approved design plans for an 18-unit development for residents who have physical disabilities and low incomes.

The project – which is the first of its kind in the city – will be at 4115 Kingsley St., at the corner of Pradera Avenue.

Developers National Community Renaissance has teamed with United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles to provide services in the complex that will allow residents to live independently.

“United Cerebral Palsy has about 20 types of these developments the Los Angeles regions, but to our knowledge, this is one of the first, if not the first, to be done like this in the Inland Valley,” said Alfredo Izmajtovich, vice president of acquisitions for National CORE.

The project, which is on a site that is less than half an acre, is part of the city’s Holt Boulevard Specific Plan, according to a staff report.

The design plans, which were approved by the council earlier this month, include details on the site, floor, elevations, colors as well as what materials will be used, according to a staff report.

Councilman Bill Ruh said this project will fulfill a need that is currently not being met in the city.

“I think when you look at the architectural value of this, it’s really transforming that area,” Ruh said. “This will add to our community in a tremendous way.

“Many of these individuals who may be working may be at an income level that wouldn’t afford them marketplace housing.”

Councilman John Dutrey said the project is unique because it is for a special group that isn’t normally served.

“Most of the affordable housing projects are for seniors or for families,” Dutrey said.

The two-story, L-shaped, apartment building will be handicapped accessible and adaptable. It also will have additional safety features, such as an elevator that would provide access to second floor units, according to a staff report.

“The idea for these units is for someone who can function with assistance, and it gives them the empowerment to live independently,” Izmajtovich said.

Developers said the project is expected to cost more than $7 million.

About $1.6 million will be provided by the city’s Redevelopment Agency.

Councilman Leonard Paulitz said he fears that if Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to abolish redevelopment agencies to address the state’s budget crisis is approved then affordable housing for senior citizens, families or people who are handicapped will stop.

“The majority of redevelopment agencies in this state does good and does it right, and they should reform those who aren’t,” Paulitz said. “I commend the redevelopment agency for doing this, on the other hand, if the governor had his way, these kinds of things would stop.”

The development agreement between National CORE and the city still needs to be approved by City Council.

“We’re nearing the completion of the agreements, and hopefully they’ll be going back to the city within the next 60 days,” Izmajtovich said.

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